It’s 4am and I’m up writing a blog post.About 8 months ago, I dreaded being up this early getting ready to endure the long commute to a job that sucked the soul out of me.But now, I’m still up at 4am – however, it’s for a much different reason.I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep tonight.After letting the dog out at 2am, I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I figured I would watch the DVR’d episode of Brothers & Sisters that I’ve been so looking forward to.You know, I have loved that show since the very first episode.As dysfunctional as they all are, they always seem to overcome the issues or figure out how to heal.Granted, I know their life isn’t real; it’s made up by some writers sitting in a big conference room.However, I feel like the writers have really found a storyline that obviously connects with me and many other viewers.Last night’s episode really evoked emotion in me.I don’t know if it’s because I’m delirious from the lack of sleep, but it really hit home with me.It talked about mothers.Mothers that try so hard to be perfect or try to mold their kids to be perfect – and how doing this can actually drive us apart and make us less than perfect.Weren’t we all created just how we are supposed to be?

As I’ve laid in bed trying to go back to sleep, the thoughts keep rolling through my head about how I try to teach Addyson right from wrong and it's come clear to me that most of the time I’m stifling her from being who she is.Why?I don’t know…maybe I’m trying to protect her from getting hurt… but isn’t that what all mothers are trying to do? But I think that sometimes getting hurt and being able to live through it is how we learn our biggest lessons…not just for our children – but for us.I think that there’s so much I can learn from my 4 year old.How to laugh and act silly, how to ask a 1000 questions, how not be afraid to show people how we feel and to be honest.I’m reminded of a dance that we attended about a month ago that was hosted by my in-laws.Addyson was excited to go because she’s become very good friends with everyone in our small little town.When we walked in, she saw her friend Katie from across the room and ran full speed ahead to the table she was sitting at to give her a huge hug.Katie was extremely startled because she was in mid conversation with her friends and probably wasn’t anticipating this type of greeting at a dance.After this happened we told Addyson that she shouldn’t do that – she shouldn’t have greeted Katie with so much excitement.Because you see, Katie is very elderly and Addyson could have knocked her over if she was standing or have caused her to have a heart attack – at least that’s what Brad and I thought.But it didn’t occur to me until this evening that we were teaching our daughter to hide her emotions – and that was a mistake.And if I think about this even further – Addyson probably actually made Katie’s day.Katie is a widow and lives all alone.She doesn’t have any children and Addyson has become very fond of her and always makes a point to excitedly greet her when she sees her around town – and each time it brings a huge smile to Katie’s face.So maybe it’s time for me to learn a few lessons from Addyson.

Now I feel compelled to makes things right and start changing my approach to being a mom.I’m making a promise to let my child be the person she was made to be – and guiding her to do the right thing instead of making her do things the way I think they should be done. And this is the first lesson that she taught me - that I wanted to be a photographer. My very first photo shoot when she was just 2 weeks old

So in honor of all the moms that learned this lesson or they ones trying to….and for those that have gone above and beyond for their children and husbands and friends and family – I’m offering a very special gift.Mother’s Day is coming in a few weeks and I would like to extend the very best gift a mom could have - Portraits with her kids.If you know a mom that is exceptional and you would like her to receive this gift – here’s your chance.

Email a letter to britney@homegrown-photo.com telling me about the mom in your life and why she’s deserving of this gift.This doesn’t have to be your own mom…it could be your best friend who’s a mom and has endured some huge struggles but has risen above it and keeps fighting the good fight …the choice is up to you.

I will accept letters until Sunday, April 24, 2011.The winner will be announced on the blog on Friday, April 30, 2011 – just in time to present mom with this gift for Mother’s Day.Please note, all nominees must live within 25 miles of the Brenham area and the winner’s letter will be posted on the blog, so make sure to make mom proud! lol

The Mother’s Day Giveaway Package (Valued at over $300)

One hour photography session at location of choice within 25 miles of Brenham with Mom & her kids/family (sorry, this is just for the kids/hubby – not extended family)

Keepsake album

16x20 Standout Mount Wall Portrait (ready to hang)

So if you’re reading this and you think YOU should be nominated…share this with your kids, your spouse or your friends and family!Oh yeah and don’t forget to tell all your friends about the 2012 Senior Model Search that is still going on until this Friday, April 15th….all the info is HERE.

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About Me

Welcome to Homegrown Photography. My name is Britney Voelkel and I am an on-location, natural light photographer. I currently serve the Brenham, Bellville, and surrounding areas as well as the Cypress area. I specialize in portraits for families, children, couples, infants and maternity. Please visit often for information about special offers.